Korea supports Jordan as it struggles with refugee crisis

AMMAN — South Korea stands by Jordan in its efforts to cope with the Syrian refugee crisis and will continue to support the Kingdom in different areas, according to South Korean Ambassador to Jordan Choi Hong-ghi.

The Korean ambassador, who stressed the strategic ties between Jordan and Korea, said Korea has placed special emphasis on the education and health sectors.

“We are currently establishing three healthcare centers, a special school for the hearing impaired, a public school in Irbid, and also contributed to many UNICEF projects on education,” the ambassador said at a ceremony Monday marking South Korea’s National Day.

The ambassador added that Korea had donated 2,000 caravans to the Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees.

“This comes from our hands-on experience that no matter how challenging the situation is, education remains on top as a means to ensure a brighter future and give hope to the younger generation,” said the ambassador.

At the event, attended by officials and diplomats from several countries, the Korean diplomat announced that Jordan was also selected as a main beneficiary for the “Better Life for Girls” initiative launched by the President of the Republic of Korea at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York last month. 

The initiative aims at providing quality education and healthcare for girls in 15 countries around the world at the cost of $200 million to be donated by Korea over the next five years, said the ambassador.

The ambassador added that Jordan is the only country in the Middle East that will benefit from a $100 million initiative to contribute to health sector capacity building in 13 selected countries worldwide.

In the area of culture, the ambassador said the embassy will host various events next week between October 11 and 14, including the 10th Korean Film Festival, the Korean Speech Contest and a performance by a highly renowned Korean music group. 

In his address, the ambassador referred to His Majesty King Abdullah’s recent visit to South Korea, during which the king held talks with the Korean president on bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional developments.